Best Budget Hostels in Seoul - Insadong

If you’re planning a trip to Seoul and want to immerse yourself in the city’s culture without breaking the bank, Insadong is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in. Famous for its traditional tea houses, art galleries, hanbok shops, and lively street food stalls, Insadong offers a perfect mix of old and new Korea. 

Even better, the area is packed with affordable accommodation options—from cozy guesthouses to small boutique hotels—many of which are just steps from the subway and walking distance to Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Jogyesa Temple.

Below, we’ve rounded up the best budget hostels/hotels in Insadong under $90 a night, so you can enjoy a central location, clean rooms, and great value while keeping more money in your pocket for sightseeing, shopping, and food adventures.

1. Mini Hotel Insa

Price Range:  $35 – $80

Why we recommend it:

• Steps to Insadong-gil and Anguk Station
• Strong cleanliness & value scores for the area
• Cozy, simple rooms; great for solo travelers or couples
• Reliable low-cost option in central Seoul

Pros:

• Prime location near palaces & Insadong main street
• Great value for money
• Easy airport access via the 6011 bus

Cons:

• Compact rooms
• Basic facilities (no frills)
• Some furnishings feel dated

Review of past customers:

• ⭐ 5-star: “Excellent location near Anguk—super easy to get around Insadong.”
• ❗ Lowest rated: “Rooms are small, but acceptable for the price.”

How to get there:

• Subway: Take Line 3 (Orange) → Get off at Anguk Station → Exit 6 → Walk 4–6 minutes
• From the Airport (ICN): AREX (You can take the subway from the airport) → Seoul Station → Transfer to Line 1 → Jonggak Station (Exit 3-1) → Walk 5–7 minutes

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2. Hostel Tommy 

Price: $20 – $70

Why we recommend it:

• Just 3 minutes from Jongno 3-ga Station (Exit 7) - great hub (Lines 1/3/5)
• Friendly staff & social vibe mentioned often
• One of the best budget options with a simple breakfast included

Pros:

• Excellent subway access (Lines 1, 3, 5)
• Clean, organized rooms
• Near Ikseon-dong & Insadong-gil

Cons:

• Dorms & rooms can be small
• Basic amenities (no luxury)
• Some luggage/stairs inconvenience at exits

Review of past customers:

• ⭐ 5-star: “Staff made the stay memorable; location is perfect for metro & airport buses.”
• ❗ Lowest rated: “Small room, but location compensates.”

How to get there:

• Subway:  Take Line 1/3/5 to Jongno 3-ga Station → Exit 7 → Walk 3 minutes
• From the Airport (ICN): Take AREX → Seoul Station and transfer to Line 1 (Navy Blue) → Jongno 3-ga (Exit 7) → Walk 3 minutes

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3. Insadong Hostel (인사동 호스텔)

Price: $15 – $60

Why we recommend it:

• Only 200 steps from Anguk Station Exit 6—as central as it gets
• Staff praised for friendliness & helpfulness
• Across from the airport bus stop (Exit 6)—super convenient

Pros:

• Closest hostel to Insadong-gil
• Easy airport bus & subway access
• Great value for backpackers & solo travelers

Cons:

• Very basic facilities
• Some noise due to the prime location
• Limited common space

Review of past customers:

• ⭐ 5-star: “Less than a minute to Insadong street; unbeatable location.”
• ❗ Lowest rated: “Simple facilities—fine if you only need a bed.”

How to get there:

• Subway: Take Line 3 (Orange) → Get off at Anguk Station → Exit 6 → Walk 4–6 minutes
• From the Airport (ICN): AREX (You can take the subway from the airport) → Seoul Station → Transfer to Line 1 → Jonggak Station (Exit 3-1) → Walk 5–7 minutes

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4. Ibis Ambassador Seoul Insadong

Price: $70 – $90

Why we recommend it:

• Rooftop hot bath with skyline views
• Trusted Ibis brand cleanliness
• Walkable to Insadong-gil, Ikseon-dong, and palaces
• Great for short city stays

Pros:

• Rooftop bath with a view
• Easy subway access
• Good chain value

Cons:

• Small rooms
• Limited luxury
• Street-side noise

Review of past customers:

• ⭐ 5-star: “Rooftop bath was fantastic after sightseeing.”
• ❗ Lowest rated: “Room too small for large luggage.”

How to get there:

• Subway: Take Lines 1/3/5 → Get off at Jongno 3-ga Station (Exit 5) → Walk 6 minutes
• From the Airport (ICN): AREX →  Get off at Jongno 3-ga Station (Exit 5) → Walk 6 minutes

Book your room now:

5. Hotel Venue G

Price: $65 – $90

Why we recommend it:

• Among the most affordable near Cheonggyecheon & Insadong
• 5 minutes to Jongno 3-ga (Lines 1/3/5)
• Quiet, simple rooms

Pros:

• Central & near multiple lines
• Good value
• Modern building

Cons:

• Small rooms
• Basic facilities
• Limited breakfast

Review of past customers:

• ⭐ 5-star: “Great value and location near the stream.”
• ❗ Lowest rated: “Room compact, not great for long stays.”

How to get there:

• Subway:
  • Take Lines 1/3/5 → Get off at the Jongno 3-ga Station (Exit 14) → Walk 5 minutes
  • Take Lines 2/3 → Get off at the Euljiro 3-ga Station (Exit 2) → Walk 5 minutes
• From the Airport (ICN): AREX → Seoul Station → Transfer to Line 2 (Green) → Get off at the Euljiro 3-ga (Exit 2) → Walk 5 minutes

Book your room now:

Whether you’re a backpacker on a tight budget or simply someone who prefers to spend more on experiences than accommodation, Insadong has plenty of affordable places to stay without compromising on location or comfort. 

With most options just minutes from the subway and within walking distance of Seoul’s historic palaces, cultural streets, and bustling markets, you’ll save both time and money by basing yourself here. From cozy guesthouses to no-frills hotels, these budget-friendly options under $90 a night allow you to enjoy the best of Seoul’s cultural heart while leaving you with more to spend on food, shopping, and unforgettable experiences.